Explore the Great Lakes Region Via the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail

No trip along Route 6 would be complete without a ride through the Great Lakes region. Erie and Crawford counties are home to some amazing sights and great stops along the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail.

Just over the Warren County border heading west sits the town of Corry. The second largest city in Erie County, Corry is the home of 8 of our artisans. To learn all that Corry has to offer and events around town and surrounding areas, be sure to look at the Downtown Corry Business Association. This group of businesses is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Corry. The walk through downtown is very pleasant and the artisans located there are within a short distance of each other.

3 Broke Girls Gallery is a photography gallery that showcases the work of local photographers. They also have several other local artisan products to browse as well. Not far away is Dahlia Home Décor & Gifts, a gift boutique that offers local products, repurposed furniture, jewelry and so much more. Just down the street are the Painted Finch Gallery and Epiphany’s Emporium. Painted Finch Gallery is a high-end gallery that showcases a grand collection of artists and artisan work. The perfect piece to add to your home is sure to be here. Conveniently connected to the Painted Finch is Epiphany’s Emporium. This fun shop is full of handmade gifts as well as craft supplies, craft sodas and crystals. A little something for everyone.

Further down the street is Corry Connection. Although not on the artisan trail, they carry the products of Artisan Trail member M & M Pottery, where you’ll find beautiful pottery pieces for both décor and everyday use. Their main location is a short drive from downtown and is where you can purchase all the supplies you need to make your own pottery. Also in Corry is Before the Barrel Distillery, a craft distillery specializing in unaged spirits and flavored moonshines. Stop in to taste your next favorite beverage!

Nearby, the Corry Area Historical Society is a 12,00-square-foot museum full of artifacts from around the area. Housed outside is a Climax engine which is a coal-fired locomotive that was produced in Corry up until 1930. If you love history this stop is for you!

Heading north toward Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park, you will come to the city of Erie, which is home to several members of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail. Erie Arts & Culture is the regional arts agency for Northwestern Pennsylvania. Their role is to promote, support and develop culture and creativity at the regional level. Follow the link to learn more about what they do and creative events in the Erie area.

New to the trail, but certainly not new to the area, is the Glass Growers Gallery. They have been part of Erie’s creative culture since 1974. What started as a shop where glass was used to make 3D objects like terrariums has changed into a collection of regional fine art and gifts from over 90 local artisans. Their colorful building stands out as a unique place to shop. Another artisan stop is Moosehead Pottery, which creates one-of-a-kind beer growlers and functional pottery. Each piece is hand painted so no two pieces are exactly alike.

If it’s time for a sweet treat, your next stop should be Romolo Chocolates. For over 29 years, Romolo Chocolates has been handcrafting confections. This stop is three shops in one. The chocolate shop is home to over 200 sweet confections for you to choose from. The Coco Café is full of pastries and yummy drinks, including their signature Cocoa drink. Finally, the gift shop is full of fun things to get for yourself or a friend. You won’t leave here empty handed!

Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? Stop by Brew Ha Ha at the Colony. This coffee shop has the only in-house roaster in Erie! Stop in for one of their specialty coffee drinks, sandwiches, or pastries. Another tasty stop is Lucky Louie’s Beer & Wieniers where you’ll find a menu full of crazy hot dog combos you didn’t even know could taste so great together! Stop by and indulge in a great hot dog and a beer to wash it down. They have an extensive list of locally and regionally made craft beers to choose from.

One final stop in Erie before heading down the road should be to Ralph Millers Jeweler & Gallery. This shop is full of custom jewelry pieces made by the owners themselves. Don’t see exactly what you want? Let them help you create that one-of-a-kind jewelry piece for you. There is a reason why they are the oldest and largest custom jewelry shop in the Tri-state area.

From Erie, head south a short distance to Edinboro and Goodell Gardens & Homestead. This nonprofit botanical garden was originally the Goodell family homestead dating back to 1876. Come walk the 78-acre farm and take in the beautiful gardens or plan your trip around one of the many events they host throughout the year. Also in Edinboro is the Edinboro Chocolaterie. This chocolate shop prides themselves on offering the freshest homemade candy around. All their fillings are made in-house and their ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible. Stop in to try an old favorite or something new.

Crossing into Crawford County, you will enter the town of Cambridge Springs where Artisan Trail member Earth, Wind & Wire Studio & Rock Shop is waiting for you to stop in! This eclectic shop is full of locally made products, including wire art and handmade jewelry. They also have a large selection of rocks for all you rock lovers out there. While in Cambridge Springs, dine at the Riverside Brewing Co. The rustic barn that houses the current brew pub was moved here from a nearby town and reconstructed on this historic property that once was Hotel Riverside: The Inn at Cambridge Springs. Their menu and their beer contain ingredients that are locally sourced, including their own maple syrup, and the atmosphere, whether you’re dining indoors or outdoors, make this an inviting place to grab a bite to eat.

A quick jaunt south will take you to Meadville where you’ll find Davenport Fruit Farm Cidery & Winery. With over 100 years of Western Pennsylvania orchard history, they grow 8 varieties of apples as well as red pears that are used in their handcrafted ciders and wines. Come grab a glass in their tasting room and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the orchard. Another must stop is the Meadville Market House. Built in 1870, it is the oldest continuously run market structure in the state of Pennsylvania. The Market House is full of locally made items and is a great place to shop locally-grown produce, eggs, milk, baked goods and specialty gourmet items. Housed within the Market House as their artist-in-residence is Nancy’s Under the Steps. Nancy specializes in fabric applique. You can shop the many products she has created or talk with her about creating something unique. Meadville is also home to Voodoo Brewing Company. This globally recognized brand has expanded greatly since it was founded in 2005. The first pub opened, and is still in operation, in Meadville, but you can find locations all over the country. Their love for the beer they brew and their commitment to get the very best ingredients are the perfect reason to stop and sample.

Leaving Meadville and heading west, you will come to Conneaut Lake and the Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery. The winery opened in 1982 and the distillery followed in 2013. They create award-winning wines and spirits made from local Erie-grown grapes and western PA grains.

Our final stop on the Artisan Trail in the Great Lakes Region is in Linesville, just a short drive from Conneaut Lake. Here you can visit Blooms and Blossoms Boutique. This full-service floral and gift shop is the place to go for a custom design floral arrangement for any occasion. They take pride in their attention to detail which is why they have been the hometown florist for 92 years.

For more itineraries for other regions of PA Route 6, check out these itineraries. Explore the many artisans and makers that make PA Route 6 one of the best road trips in the country!